Research finds thermal benefits with rooftop plants

For homes in a sunny environment, these findings could mean a solution for shaving long-term cooling costs.

By Brian Warmoth • Sept. 9, 2013

Central Michigan U. to save $2.5M per year with green building projects

The cost-saving projects come as enrollment declines cut into colleges' revenues.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 9, 2013

Ohio DOT putting $10.5 million into building non-roads

The state of Ohio is dispersing the money to communities around the state for projects such as bicycle and pedestrian routes – though restoration of covered bridges is on the list, too.

By Ron Gallagher • Sept. 2, 2013

Nashville pouring more money into building riverfront open space

The country music capital is nearing the issuance of a request for proposals as it looks to add green space with a boat landing area and park.

By Ron Gallagher • Sept. 2, 2013

EPA pushes on toward potentially troublesome ozone standards

Buoyed by a recent court decision on proposed air-quality standards, the federal government is working on how states can implement rules that could seriously affect construction equipment.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 28, 2013

Around D.C., walkable retail replacing malls as destinations

One of the developers of LEED for Neighborhood Development sees the rise of "town center" districts consigning indoor malls to the dust heap.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 26, 2013

Sustainability key to 2016 Olympics in Rio

Organizations met to create an outline that maximizes sustainability in four industry segments, including construction and urban development.

By Nicole Wrona • Aug. 26, 2013

Report: Green building industry worth $248B by 2016

In a report issued by the U.S. Green Building Council, it was stated that half of U.S. construction projects will be green by 2016.

By Nicole Wrona • Aug. 26, 2013

BIM is critical to Skanska's green commitment

The company—famous quitting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over opposition to LEED—has been using building information planning for a decade.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 21, 2013

An engineer considers the ethical demand for sustainability

An associate professor of engineering at Clemson uses a new pedestrian bridge on the campus as the subject of thinking about an engineer's professional responsibility.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 21, 2013

USGBC joins forces with Green Sports Alliance to promote sustainable venues

The U.S. Green Building Council is hooking up with a group that looks for ways to make sports venues greener by looking at opportunities for LEED certifications.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 13, 2013

How do you raise a New Jersey coastal town 11 feet?

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study will look at whether or not it's an option for Highlands, N.J.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 11, 2013

One Republican, one Democrat pitch energy-efficiency bill

Sens. Rob Portman, Ohio Republican, and Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Democrat, have written legislation to cut energy waste with better model building codes and education about what's available.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 8, 2013

Atlantic levels challenge Boston's post-Sandy waterfront development

Everyone in Boston is on board with the city's waterfront renaissance of development and redevelopment—except for the Atlantic Ocean.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 8, 2013

Contractors will boost energy efficiency in 3 Calif. housing projects

The multifamily projects will get upgraded HVAC systems, solar power and drought-resistant landscaping.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 5, 2013

Green materials and multifamily: This week's most read construction news

Check out what lies ahead for multifamily and old building materials that could see new life.

By Brian Warmoth • Aug. 2, 2013

India hits green building milestone

Green building is expected to become a major force in India's continued growth as an emerging market.

By Nicole Wrona • Aug. 1, 2013

Emerging markets getting boost from IFC, World Green Building Council to fast-track green construction

Construction is poised to infiltrate emerging economies at a fast pace due to a collaboration that will focus on the creation of green buildings in these countries.

By Nicole Wrona • Aug. 1, 2013

Green building breathes new life into old materials

A new report sees straw and bamboo making a comeback in the next decade.

By Brian Warmoth • July 30, 2013

Group offers database of utility-protection best practices

A new database operated for free by the Common Ground Alliance gives utilities and contractors access to information and contacts for employing best practices in protecting underground wires and pipes.

By Ron Gallagher • July 29, 2013

Flood by accidental design: Levees send storm surges up Mississippi toward New Orleans

A team of engineers led by the man who designed the federal government's computer model for storm surges says that Mississippi levees below the city inadvertently send water upstream and should be lowered.

By Ron Gallagher • July 24, 2013

Passive homes architect spins off insulated windows business

Florian Speier was already designing with high-end Zola windows from Europe. Now he sells them as well.

By Ron Gallagher • July 24, 2013

Green building, green finance to team on efforts in emerging markets

An arm of the World Bank and USGBC's global organization have agreed to work together to encourage green construction in urbanizing countries.

By Ron Gallagher • July 17, 2013

Real estate giant CBRE funds research on commercial green building

CBRE set up a program to put $1 million into research into real-world opportunities and effects of green building, and the company has selected five projects to back.

By Ron Gallagher • July 17, 2013

Prescott, Ariz., code to raise standards, post energy numbers for buyers

As soon as the city council approves, 2012 international codes will be incorporated in municipal building codes, and builders will have to test finished systems.

By Ron Gallagher • July 12, 2013